New campaign insists public services should not be sacrificed to the economy

PSAC offers a third choice to Canadians.

December 2, 2011: A new social media campaign kicks off today, highlighting the absurdity of being forced to choose between no deficit and strong public services. With ThirdChoice.ca, the Public Service Alliance of Canada is calling on Canadians to demand a third choice.

The Thirdchoice.ca campaign features a Facebook page where Canadians will have to opportunity learn more about the issues surrounding the impact of cuts to public service and participate in the discussion.

The tagline? An absurd choice is no choice for Canadians.

The star of the show? A giant squirrel, disrupting services in a government office.

"ThirdChoice.ca is all about having a conversation with Canadians about the impact of public service cuts — something the government is avoiding."

"The government is asking people to choose between a strong economy and strong public services," says PSAC National President John Gordon. "This is absurd: Canadians want both. With this campaign we're hoping to highlight that absurdity and inspire Canadians to demand a better choice."

PSAC is also asking Canadians show their support through a visual charter that will record their collective desire for a third choice. The campaign encourages them to submit photos representing the number "3" on the Facebook page.

"We all depend on public services. They protect our health and safety, the environment, and contribute to local economies," says Gordon. "ThirdChoice.ca is all about having a conversation with Canadians about the impact of public service cuts — something the government is avoiding."